Jesse Stuart is a man who never forgot where he came from, in part because he never strayed far from the foundation he built here in eastern Kentucky.

Stuart, the acclaimed author who grew up in Greenup County, Ky., built his name, and ultimately his legacy, on his depictions of Appalachia and its people.

Although often perceived as solely a Kentucky author, Stuart truly had ties to much of the region and actually spent the last days of his life in Ironton.

This man is a testament to what can be accomplished with hard work, perseverance and talent.

Jesse Stuart showed that an individual’s impact in life isn’t directly tied to the economic status of his or her family, his or her individual upbringing or the geography in which someone lives.

Far more important are the characteristics that drive an individual and the passion to do great things.

Greenbo State Resort Park will host a variety of events this weekend to celebrate Stuart. More information can be found online.

Perhaps one of his most famous quotes embodies his approach to his writing but also to his life.

“Write something to suit yourself and many people will like it; write something to suit everybody and scarcely anyone will care for it.”

That is a lesson most of us can learn from.